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Session 13: Easter Joy 🌷

Overview

Grades: 1-2 | Duration: 30 minutes | Session: 13 of 17

Students celebrate Easter's message of resurrection and new life through a joyful creative project.

Session 13: Easter Joy

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Connect Easter to resurrection and new life

  • Create an Easter-themed project

  • Express Easter joy through art/engineering

  • Understand that Jesus makes all things new

Session 13: Easter Joy

Materials Needed

  • 🎨 Art supplies (various colors, especially spring colors)

  • 📦 Craft materials

  • 🌷 Flower/spring materials

  • 📓 Design Detective journals

  • 📸 Pictures of Easter symbols

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

The Risen Jesus — The greatest moment in history: Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday!

Scripture

"He is not here; he has risen!" — Luke 24:6

Opening Prayer

Alleluia! Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Dear God, thank you for the gift of Easter and new life. Fill our hearts with joy today and always. Alleluia! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. ALLELUIA! — "We can say Alleluia again! JESUS IS RISEN!"
  2. Easter Meaning:
  3. Jesus died on Good Friday
  4. He rose to NEW LIFE on Easter Sunday
  5. He conquered death—we have hope forever!
  6. Signs of New Life:
  7. Empty tomb
  8. Spring flowers
  9. Baby animals
  10. Butterflies (transformation!)
  11. Today's Celebration — "Create something to celebrate Easter joy!"

Main Activity: Easter Celebration (19 minutes)

Part 1: Easter Symbols (3 minutes)

  • Review symbols and meanings:
  • 🪨 Empty tomb — He is risen!
  • 🌷 Flowers — New life
  • 🦋 Butterfly — Transformation
  • 🐣 Eggs — New beginnings
  • 🐑 Lamb — Jesus, Lamb of God
  • ☀️ Sunrise — Easter morning

Part 2: Create (14 minutes)

Option A: Easter Garden

  • Build a mini Easter garden scene

  • Include tomb (cup or small container)

  • Stone rolled away

  • Add flowers, grass, cross

  • "He is not here—He is risen!"

Option B: New Life Collage

  • Collage of spring/new life images

  • Include: flowers, butterflies, eggs, sun

  • Add: "Alleluia! He is Risen!"

Option C: Resurrection Cross

  • Create a cross

  • Decorate with flowers and color

  • Symbol of victory over death

  • Add bright, joyful decorations

Option D: Easter Card

  • Card to share Easter joy

  • Include Easter message

  • Send to someone who needs hope

Part 3: Joy Celebration (2 minutes)

  • Gallery walk to see creations

  • Say together: "ALLELUIA!"

Design Detective Journal (4 minutes)

  1. Draw your Easter creation
  2. Write: "Easter means..."
  3. Write: "I have hope because..."
  4. Draw: Empty tomb OR butterfly OR flower

Closing Circle (2 minutes)

  1. Easter Message — "What does Easter mean to you?"
  2. Living Hope — "Jesus makes all things new—including us!"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Thank you for hope, for new life, for Easter joy! Help us share your love with everyone. Alleluia! Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Connected Easter to resurrection

  • Created meaningful Easter project

  • Expressed joy and hope

  • Understood Easter symbols

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Choose from 2 options

  • Pre-made materials to assemble

  • Focus on one symbol

For Advanced Students

  • Include multiple symbols

  • Write Easter story or poem

  • Create for someone specific

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Attend Easter Mass together! Look for Easter symbols at church. Create an Easter garden at home. Take an Easter nature walk and find signs of new life. Share Easter hope with neighbors!

Teacher Notes

  • Display Easter creations prominently

  • Coordinate with school Easter celebrations

  • Consider Easter egg hunt connection

  • Send cards to nursing homes if created

Previous: Session 12 — Butterfly Wonder
Next: Session 14 — Sphero Challenge